2. CONSTRUCTIVISM
How people learn?
People construct their own understanding and
knowledge of the world, through experiencing things
and reflecting on those experiences.
3. CONSTRUCTIVISM
IMPORTANT FIGURES
1. Jean Piaget
Developed cognitive learning theory
Children-Active learners (Didn’t need motivation from
adults)
4 cognitive stages
1. Sensoritmotor= Learning through sensor & motor actions
2. Preoperational= through symbols & images
3. Cognitive Operational= Think logically, understand other
view points
4.Formal Operational= Abstract thinking, formulate own
beliefs
4. CONSTRUCTIVISM
IMPORTANT FIGURES
Jerome Bruner
Learning is active process where new
ideas or concepts are constructed on
current or past knowledge
Method: Many different activities (i.e. painting, songs,
electronic flash cards)
Socratic Method – Discussion, thinking critically of own
and others views and articulate and defend position.
LEARNING IS DISCOVERY
5. CONSTRUCTIVISM
IMPORTANT FIGURES
Lev Vygotsky
Social Cognition
Learning by social development
Zone of Proximal Development
Difference between problem solving ability and potential from the
help of a teacher
• Collaborative Learning
situation in which two or more people learn or attempt to learn
something together
Scaffolding- Discover child’s cognitive/social development and
construct learning experiences on it
Anchored Instruction- Connect to information already held by
student
6. CONSTRUCTIVISM
IMPORTANT FIGURES
John Dewey
• Father of American Education
• Learning should engage and experiences of learners
• Actively inquire
Progressive Education Movement
Educate whole child, physically, mentally, and socially
Pragmatism- theory is only valuable for practical use
Education is a social process
1896- Began University Elementary School, or
Laboratory School ( AKA the Dewey School)
7. Classroom Implications
TEACHERS
• Facilitate learning
• Encourage Students To Ask Questions
• Encourage Reflection
• Active Participation
• Variety Of Learning Methods
• Propose Contrary Beliefs
9. Final Thoughts
I believe constructivism can be a very useful and successful
learning theory. It aims at developing what I believe are vital
attributes in our students, learning through critical thinking,
reflecting by experience, and a continual thirst for
knowledge. Though constructivism may be at the heart of my
teaching philosophy, it could prove to be fairly difficult to
employ. Critics say constructivism dismisses a teacher’s role
because it strays away from the traditional regurgitation of
facts into an atmosphere of inquiring. I imagine if employed,
the teacher must have a strong sense of authority
accompanied by a sense of comfort from the students to
create an controlled open world of discussion. All in all, it’s a
method definitely worth considering.
